Exeter to Southampton train with South Western Railway

Fri 04 Sept
+ Add return
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Southampton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept

Cheapest price on 04 Sept

£52

Average ticket price on 04 Sept

£71

Fastest journey on 04 Sept

2 h 19 m

Average journey duration on 04 Sept

2 h 45 m

Trains on 04 Sept

12

Distance

151 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Southampton will cost around £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

To travel from Exeter to Southampton you need to make at least one change.

  • South Western RailwayL79414+Great Western RailwayG15012
    11:573h06
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    15:03Southampton Central (SOU)
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayY80248+South Western RailwayL79414+Great Western RailwayG15012
    11:423h21
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    15:03Southampton Central (SOU)
    £551One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG15008
    10:003h02
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    13:02Southampton Central (SOU)
    £551One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayC47995 · Y41873+South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG15008
    9:363h26
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    13:02Southampton Central (SOU)
    £551One-way
    3 changes
  • Great Western RailwayY41870+South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG15008
    9:053h57
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    13:02Southampton Central (SOU)
    £551One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Exeter to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £37, while a coach costs an average of £55.

Distance: 151 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£37

Average Price

Cheapest

£55

Average Price

£29

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 45m

Average total duration

6h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 42m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Southampton is a train with an average price of £37.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Southampton:

A train is £17 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Exeter to Southampton costing on average £55.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 32m.

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and Southampton including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 32m by train vs 2h 42m by car). Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Exeter to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayY41870 · W34559 · G150069:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h57
12:02 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
Great Western RailwayY41870+South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG150089:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h57
13:02 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayC47995 · Y41873 · G150089:36 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h26
13:02 Southampton Central (SOU)3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34559 · G150069:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h19
12:02 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG1500810:00 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h02
13:02 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
Great Western RailwayW34562 · C48486+South Western RailwayL8025410:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h07
13:22 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34562+CrossCountryG0100910:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h28
13:43 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
Great Western RailwayY80241 · G15010+CrossCountryG0086510:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h25
14:04 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
South Western RailwayL79414+Great Western RailwayG15012 · Y8024811:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h21
15:03 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG14922 · G1501011:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h21
14:04 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
South Western RailwayL79414+Great Western RailwayG1501211:57 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h06
15:03 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
Great Western RailwayY80254 · G14923 · G1501312:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h20
16:02 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Southampton by coach or train

Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept

Why should you book Exeter to Southampton trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Exeter to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Southampton.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Southampton.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Southampton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Southampton run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 151 km distance in 2h 36m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
151 km
Average train duration
2h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
19
Fastest train
2h 36m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:28
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter to Southampton trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter and Southampton from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£25
South Western Railway frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£40
Great Western Railway frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 9m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£117
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
8 a day

Complete guide to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.

  • Recommended

Tudor House and Garden

Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Exeter to Southampton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Southampton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £37.
The train journey from Exeter to Southampton covers a distance of 151 km and takes approximately 2h 36m. Trains run 19 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Southampton is 151 km.
The first train from Exeter to Southampton leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Exeter to Southampton departs at 23:28.
Trains from Exeter to Southampton run approximately 19 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Southampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Southampton.
To get from Exeter to Southampton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Southampton.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Southampton is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Southampton is by train, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Exeter to Southampton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Exeter to Southampton offers views of the picturesque Devon countryside and parts of the South Coast, providing a pleasant and scenic experience.
A day trip from Exeter to Southampton is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 36m. Trains run 16 times per day over a distance of 151 km.
In Southampton, you can explore the New Forest National Park for hiking and cycling, take the Hythe Ferry for a scenic trip to Hythe, and enjoy shopping at Westquay Shopping Centre. Visit the Ocean Village Marina for dining and leisure activities, or relax at Southampton Common. Discover the city's history at the Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, and Solent Sky Museum. Art enthusiasts can visit the Southampton City Art Gallery, while theatre lovers can catch performances at the Mayflower Theatre.
For a well-rounded experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Southampton allows you to explore key attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, Tudor House and Garden, and the vibrant waterfront.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Southampton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Southampton

Most Exeter to Southampton trains use the Exeter St Davids to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Southampton

Which Exeter station do trains to Southampton leave from?

Trains from Exeter to Southampton leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre

Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min

Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services

Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre

Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min

Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services

Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre

BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min

Exeter Central train station facilities and services

Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Southampton Exeter to Southampton train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone